Reviews
La Bohème - Opera North (2014)
"Lorna James' Musetta dominated proceedings well, singing the waltz aria 'Quando me'n vo' with great panache, the centre of the comedy as she tries to attract Marcello's attention."
Richard Wilcocks, Bach Track
"Lorna James as the contrasting character of Musetta scythed her sexy, selfish, destructive way through the drama with suitable panache which made her compassion at the end all the more effective. This was another fine voice whose notes ranged from searing to silky."
John Leeman, Seen and Heard International
"RNCM-trained Lorna James was a marvellous Musetta, showing subtlety and stagecraft in equal measure. No belt-it-out crudeness in her Quando m'en vo, but contrast and flexibility, and just the right touch of the insecure diva in the final act."
Robert Beale, Manchester Theatre Awards
"Lorna James's Musetta deserves high praise for a spirited and compassionate portrayal of female strength. Her voice, and her control of it, was a perfect fit."
Dan Potts, theculturevulture.co.uk
Richard Wilcocks, Bach Track
"Lorna James as the contrasting character of Musetta scythed her sexy, selfish, destructive way through the drama with suitable panache which made her compassion at the end all the more effective. This was another fine voice whose notes ranged from searing to silky."
John Leeman, Seen and Heard International
"RNCM-trained Lorna James was a marvellous Musetta, showing subtlety and stagecraft in equal measure. No belt-it-out crudeness in her Quando m'en vo, but contrast and flexibility, and just the right touch of the insecure diva in the final act."
Robert Beale, Manchester Theatre Awards
"Lorna James's Musetta deserves high praise for a spirited and compassionate portrayal of female strength. Her voice, and her control of it, was a perfect fit."
Dan Potts, theculturevulture.co.uk
Strauss Vier letzte Lieder - Bristol New Sinfonia (2014)
"The contrast to the Elgar came in the shape of Richard Strauss' Four Last Songs, gracefully and confidently rendered by young soprano Lorna James. The pieces are elegiac, complex, very emotional and introverted, and Lorna stood almost motionless, her pitch perfect vibrato entrancing the hall while appearing like a young Rhine maiden."
Michael Clark, Bristol Evening Post
Michael Clark, Bristol Evening Post
La Bohème - Heritage Opera (2012/13)
"Lorna James threw her heart and soul into the part of singer Musetta...James has a power packed projection and easily turned on her seductive charms."
Michael Cookson, Seen and Heard International
Michael Cookson, Seen and Heard International
Carmen - Heritage Opera (2011)
"Lorna James played Micaela, the straight-laced, rather sorry and uninteresting village maid, with assurance. In the future I look forward to what James can do with a more dramatic role. In the Act I aria when Micaela brings a letter to José from his mother, suggesting they should be married, the soprano displayed her pure and firm voice revealing a marvellous diction."
Michael Cookson, Seen and Heard International
Michael Cookson, Seen and Heard International
La clemenza di Tito - RNCM (2010)
"Of the singers, by far the most accomplished was the scheming Vitellia, sung by Lorna James. In a most demanding opening, her diction, delivery and sheer vocal range were easily up to the task. A tight vibrato and wonderful pitching of notes kept me enthralled. James is a real find as a dramatic soprano and as close to the finished article as you are likely to get so early in her career."
John Byrne, Musical Opinion
"For me, the outstanding soloist was Lorna James, as the spiteful and duplicitous Vitellia. She emerged from the start as a vivid (if nasty) personality, spitting venom in her dialogue and singing superbly in solos and ensemble."
Robert Beale, City Life
"Lorna James sang the role of the jealous Vitellia with strength and vocal vibrancy. In an appropriate scarlet dress in Act II, hers was a young dramatic soprano voice in the making. Aided by her costume and subtle vocal nuance she created a viable character throughout."
Robert J Farr, Seen and Heard International
"[The role's challenges] were met with increasing confidence by Lorna James so that her final spitfire display earned her the ovation of the evening."
Michael Kennedy, Opera Magazine
John Byrne, Musical Opinion
"For me, the outstanding soloist was Lorna James, as the spiteful and duplicitous Vitellia. She emerged from the start as a vivid (if nasty) personality, spitting venom in her dialogue and singing superbly in solos and ensemble."
Robert Beale, City Life
"Lorna James sang the role of the jealous Vitellia with strength and vocal vibrancy. In an appropriate scarlet dress in Act II, hers was a young dramatic soprano voice in the making. Aided by her costume and subtle vocal nuance she created a viable character throughout."
Robert J Farr, Seen and Heard International
"[The role's challenges] were met with increasing confidence by Lorna James so that her final spitfire display earned her the ovation of the evening."
Michael Kennedy, Opera Magazine
